Final tallies.

This fountain in Vientiane, Laos looks cheesy and fake in this picture, but it is real and actually nice.

A final picture with Fiona, Emma, and Katie, girls from England and Ireland I traveled with for a few weeks. In spite of their endless haranguing of my American accent and word choice, I believe in their heart of hearts they don't despise me that much. Vientiane, Laos.

Thank God for the Chinese herbs -- I can't handle stewed ox genitals served plain. Bangkok, Thailand.

Atop Phou Si Mountain with Brian and Ashley, two wholesome yanks from Milwaukee who are moving to San Francisco this spring for reunification.

Shot of the riverbank street in Luang Prabang, Laos in the afternoon sun.

Prepping to tube, Vang Vieng, Laos.

Mud volleyball in a bar along the tubing river, Vang Vieng, Laos.

Zenith of my rope swing, Vang Vieng, Laos.

My trip is coming to an end, and though I'll be traveling for a bit longer, this is my last post. A quick recap of the last week and then some final thoughts:

After Silichit we moved to Thatsaphone Guesthouse, and that day climbed Phou Si Mountain. Not sure what the deal is with the puns in Luang Prabang, but I approve wholeheartedly. A climb up Phou Si Mountain (more of a hill, really) brought 360 degree views of Luang Prabang. After we walked around the town along the river past French-shuttered inns, rice cakes drying on racks in the sun, monks playing in front of wats, and other serene delights. LP stole my heart and then I was off to Vang Vieng, a concrete tourist dump with every restaurant playing the show "Friends" ad nauseum. I refrained from barfing and did what everyone does in Vang Vieng: tubing. Tubing is going down a river in an inner tube, stopping at bars along the river to drink, jumping off rope swings, and playing mud volleyball. Pretty ridiculous, but sorta fun. Then I went to Vientiane, the capital and largest city in Laos at a mere 200,000 people. But charming with good food and a happy feel to it.

That brings us up to speed. Now to tie up a few loose ends.

*A rad story I forgot to tell: On Cat Ba island in Halong Bay, Vietnam I saw 2 Vietnamese dudes arguing. 1 guy started to walk away and then he pulled off his shirt AND pants so he was down to his boxers, then pulled a metal pole out of a cement pylon and started waiving it around at everyone and yelling as a crowd gathered around. Just the idea of stripping down to your knickers for a fight is baffling and brilliant.


*Items lost, broken, or given away (mostly lost or broken): 3 pairs of sunglasses, 2 belts, 2 pairs of sandals, 2 neck pillows, 1 ATM card, 1 notebook.

*What I'm looking forward to about coming home: burritos; being understood; not converting from baht/riel/dong/kip to dollars; fixed prices; not worrying about getting scammed (for the most part); not living out of a backpack and grubby hotel rooms; buses made for people my size; friends and fam; flushing toilet paper down the toilet instead of putting it in the poo bin; trash cans on the street; knowing where I'm going and where I'll be sleeping.

*What I'll miss most about Southeast Asia: bum guns (water hose beside toilet used instead of wiping); all the friends I made and already miss terribly; dirt cheap food; best food on planet food; "Sawadee Ka(p)" (hello in Thai) followed by a smile, hands together, and slight bow; being able to use any store's toilet without being a customer; being fickle; not knowing where I'm going or how long I'll stay; making my mind up on the spot; being spontaneous and relaxed; laughing and acting stupid.

*Epiphany #1 about traveling: there are 2 types -- 1) short, planned travel, and 2) extended, free-wheeling travel. Before this trip I'd only experienced #1, but #2 is so much better. #1 traveling is a place to go, #2 traveling is a state of mind. And you can only get there once you get over that 2-3 week "vacation" period of traveling we're accustomed to.

*Epiphany #2 about traveling: guidebooks, websites, and other published travel advice is WORTHLESS. You don't know what you'll like until you get there. Go there, talk to people, find out what people like, find out what you like, and decide what to do.

*Epiphany #3 about traveling: it is a personal experience, so don't listen to anything I say. Do it your own way.

Enough soapboxing. If anyone has any questions about Southeast Asia I'll be happy to give my humble opinion. And now for my least humble, and final, opinion:

VISIT SOUTHEAST ASIA

Much love,
Adam